Biltong maker

[tim_n]

So built myself a biltong maker

Inlet vents

Reptile heater (40w)

Mesh over fans (stops flies getting in)

Testing with a bulb

Added rails for hanging

All done

 

[tim_n]

Salting the meat

Leave for the salt to start extracting the water for 3hrs

Wash in vinegar (not shown)

Rub in spices

Hang with string

Into the biltong box!

Now three days in the garage with my fingers crossed

 

[redbranchwarrior]

Cracking work mate. Interested to see the results.

What sort of beef did you use?

Can this be done with a normal food hydrator? I realise this is prob cheaper and bespoke, but a mate has offered me the loan of his hydrator..

 

[Everything Mac]

Oh very nice. I like threads like this - good job sir.

I look forward to seeing your progress.

All the best
Andy

 

[tim_n]

I used topside I think might have been silverside. Either is fine!

Yes you can do smaller bits in a dehydrator. These are pretty big slices

 

[redbranchwarrior]

Lovely.

Ah that makes sense. Cheers

 

[Mesquite]

Nice work Tim

What's the watt rating of the bulb you used and the fan looks like it's a PC fan, does it need its own power converter or does it run direct off 240v?

 

[Fraxinus]

I like the simplicity of your design, well thought out and something I want to do after we move house, now all we need is a taste test

Rob.

 

[ozzy1977]

Cracking idea, let us know how you get on.

 

[njc110381]

Very tidy. Let us know how it turns out. I've been wanting to make one of these for years but like most other stuff, I haven't actually done it yet!

 

[GGTBod]

Great stuff i love biltong, nothing smells better than biltong farts

 

[seg1959]

I am intrigued!
Please excuse my ignorance, but what is the purpose/function of the light bulb?

seg

 

[mountainm]

I am intrigued!
Please excuse my ignorance, but what is the purpose/function of the light bulb?

seg

Provides enough heat to dry it out quicker when combined with the circulating air.

 

[Buckshot]

To create enough heat to gently dry the meat without cooking it

 

[bopdude]

Great effort, nice looking set up, look forward to the end result, what you thinking 3 days ? obviously depending on how you like it, personally, I like mine still slightly wet, to dry is like eating sticks

 

[atlatlman]

Nice looking job mate. I have been thinking of making one for a long time. Biltong is not cheap to buy.

 

[ADz-1983]

Nice work bud. I was too lazy and opted to buy a Biltong King box
http://www.thebiltongking.com/

I have the older model. Seems the new one also comes with shelves

 

[swotty]

Nice, how much do you think it cost in total? Might have to give this a go

 

[tim_n]

Steve the fan does indeed need a transformer. Either chop up a laptop charger (any 240v to 12v will do, a fan needs less than half an amp usually and providing too many amps isn't a problem). I got one off eBay which is dedicated for £4.
The extension cord was £4 from tesco, project box £4, 40w bulb about £5, old pc fan, plastic grill £3. Few bits and bobs I had like cable ties etc. 50p for aluminium mesh. So about £30 if you needed everything? Not bad really! 24hrs in the meat is still wet. It's in the garage at about 9'c and the bulb doesn't do much. I may need to bring it inside.

 

[WoodsmanJim]

Was talking to a guy just last weekend who'd made his own biltong cabinet. He left me inspired, but seeing your build with pictures and everything explained has left me determined!

Great work.

James